Young adults in Midlothian securing their future

An impressive 92.9% of 16-19 year olds in Midlothian were in education, employment or training or personal development according to the 2019 Annual Participation Measure report, released today (27 August).

The new figure, which covers April 2018 to March 2019, represents a 1.4% decrease in the number of young adults positively securing their future either through sustaining employment, enrolling in further or higher education, training or volunteering. This is the first year Midlothian has seen a decrease in the numbers which relates to approximately 13 young people over the year who have not actively engaged in a positive destination.

Above the national average

Nationally, 91.6% of young adults are in a positive destination with this year’s figure putting Midlothian 1.5% above the national average and in tenth place out of all 32 local authorities in Scotland.

Positive destinations

Councillor Jim Muirhead, Midlothian’s Cabinet Member for Education, said: “As the fastest growing local authority we are determined to support all our young adults to take and maintain their educational and career journeys.

“Since 2015, I am delighted to say we have managed to increase the numbers of young people maintaining their positive destination. This is a good result and is testament to the hard work and commitment of local young adults, schools the Communities and Lifelong Learning team, Skills Development Scotland and other Developing Midlothian Young Workforce partners.

Continuing to support young people

“We realise it is vital to continue to support young adults, not just when they leave education, but also for two or three years afterwards to make sure they have continued success and reach their potential.”

Midlothian Council’s Communities & Lifelong Learning team and schools provide support for young people to expand their life and employability skills, prepare for interviews, write a CV and secure training and work experience placements.

Get in touch

Cllr Muirhead urged every young adult to get in touch if they would benefit from the services. He said: “You can either phone the council’s Communities & Lifelong Learning Service, get in touch with Skills Development Scotland, or if looking for additional opportunities, try The Guarantee which works together with local businesses to offer young people in Edinburgh, Midlothian and East Lothian the choice of a job, Modern Apprenticeship, training or further education.”